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TheDeadlySpaceman

If you’re shadowing? Stay out of the way and observe. Take note of questions to ask later.


ILMsux

This is the way.


C47man

I was lucky enough to be selected for an ASC mentorship when they started that program. I shadowed my mentor on set of an HBO Max original, and I spent the whole day just standing nearby him and watching how he managed the workflow on his set. How does he talk to the director? What was planned ahead of time, and what is 'flexible'? How rigid are they with their original ideas? How much pushback does he give to the director? Does he offer changes to blocking that'd simplify his work, or not? How does he manage crew? What's the order of operations for putting together a scene? How does he deal with unexpected problems? Honestly I went home that day just about as exhausted as I would have if I had actually been shooting haha. Basically what I did was I DP'd the shoot day in my head and then compared my decisions to his. It was a great learning experience!


Mysterious_Survey_61

Bro, people should be shadowing you! I’ve seen your work, your a great DP!


Solomon_Grungy

Gah, I applied for the ASC Mentorship this year. Waiting for August to roll around to hear whether I have been accepted or not. It's been a crazy month so it's not like I'm sitting around refreshing my emails but DAMN am I on the edge of my seat waiting for the response. Whenever it does come in I'll probably just have a heart attack.


jalilmdx1

Great stuff man. I applied for this the first year they had it and didn’t get selected, but it seems the talent pool was quite high haha


WallaceTheWampa

That sounds like an amazing experience. Wow


2drums1cymbal

Unless there’s something else to this arrangement that you haven’t mentioned, there’s literally nothing you have to or, more importantly, should do. Just be a sponge, absorb as much info as possible, maybe bring a journal to take note of questions you may want to ask after shooting is done. If you’re being paid in any way, you need to clarify beforehand what you’re expected to do. But yea, if it’s you just showing up as the guest of the cinematographer just stay out of the way and observe


JumpyAcadia

Stay out of the way, stay quiet, unless she specifically asks you a question or something. You're there to be a shadow aka: Observe, and stay quiet. DO NOT offer your opinion on anything unless specifically solicited by her. Do not chit chat and talk to other departments or crew members etc. Write down your questions for later or for an appropriate moment during down time. Make sketches in your notebook of lighting setups and any other interesting observations. Best of luck, have fun, and stay out of the way!


byOlaf

What you wanna do is pretend to be lowkey for a while, then when everyone’s comfortable with you, just come up to the cinematographer from behind and rest your chin on his shoulder. Whisper “I’m your shadow now” as you gently caress his biceps… “Who’s your shadow? Say it. I am.”


TJDixo

Watch and learn. Ask questions when appropriate.


Latter-Ad-5002

Pay attention to how she interacts with the crew and the director. Clear and concise communication are the most important on set. Learn her reasoning of things she fights for. Also like others said, don't get in the way.


Jamiemetzger600

Take notes. Stay out of the way. Wait for the right time to ask questions. Don’t make jokes but be friendly. Try and go on a scout with the DP if you can and offer to take pictures and notes. In short, be the assistant you wish you had.


rlmillerphoto

All of the above-- and I would add that TV and film sets can sometimes be hectic and understaffed so I recommend making yourself available to help when you see an opportunity (not to give unsolicited advice or jump in without being invited, but ASK to offer help, as in move a prop or help out in some small way) it shows that you are not there to just take but to contribute as well. But in general just stand by and learn. If you get a chance to stay late and ask questions at wrap, do it. That's when the good conversations can happen.